Tuscola golfers swing for state championship

Nov. 6—FOXFIRE — Two girls from Haywood County had the honor of representing their high school in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3A Girls Golf State Championships on Oct. 30 and 31. The championships took place at the Red Course at the Foxfire Resort and Golf Club.

McKenna Williams, a junior, and Abbey Adams, a freshman, who both play for Tuscola High School, showcased their skills over the two-day competition against the top female golfers in the state.

“It’s always an incredible moment to reach this level. I’m so proud of them,” said Sean Williams, the head coach of Tuscola girls’ golf and McKenna’s father.

According to Williams, the Foxfire course was quite challenging.

“Even a slight mistake can cost you dearly, whether it’s hitting the ball into the rough with trees in your way or missing the green and encountering giant bunkers. Out of bounds areas are also quite close to the fairway,” he said. “That course is like a tricky monster that surprises you.”

The weather conditions were relatively favorable for golf, starting at 85 degrees for round one and dropping to 45 degrees by the end of round two.

McKenna Williams finished 14th overall, shooting a total of 170 (86/84) over the two rounds. Abbey Adams placed 66th with a score of 198 (100/98).

Continued Success for Williams

This marked McKenna Williams’ third consecutive appearance at the state championships. She finished 12th as a sophomore and 29th as a freshman.

“McKenna is learning the importance of staying in play,” Williams explained. “Knowing which side of the fairway to favor, avoiding trouble, and being aware of your surroundings. All these factors affect your game. If you can stay focused, you’ll start seeing improvement in your scores.”

Williams emphasized that his daughter has been playing competitive golf for four and a half years and is now paying attention to the smaller details.

“These small details are what make a difference, and she’s actively working on them to improve,” he said.

Williams showed improvement in her score during the second round, which not all top 15 golfers could achieve.

“Our goal is always to perform better in the second round, as college coaches appreciate that,” Williams said. “McKenna knows she has the potential to achieve low scores.”

Adams Makes Her Mark as a Freshman

For Abbey Adams, this was her first experience at the state championships as a freshman.

“Abbey has a promising future. She’s not only a talented golfer but also has a fantastic personality,” Williams praised. “She remains composed and has a positive outlook on golf and life in general.”

What impressed Williams the most about Adams was her eagerness to enhance her game.

“Abbey quickly absorbs any guidance or tips we provide her with regarding her swing or short game. From the beginning of the season until now, we’ve seen significant improvement in Abbey Adams,” he shared.

Williams recalled a day at the practice range when he offered Adams advice on her swing. She stayed behind after practice, working diligently on it, and showed up the next day with noticeable improvement.

“The entire golf team stopped to watch her hit, and they were amazed by her progress,” Williams said. “She handled the pressure exceptionally well. She embraced it, and it greatly benefited her.”

Although Williams and Adams had the opportunity to compete against the best golfers in the state, their journey is far from over. Both girls are dedicated to practicing and playing throughout the offseason.

“Both McKenna and Abbey understand their potential. They know the areas they need to consistently work on,” Williams affirmed.